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nickmaclaughlin
Reviews
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Outstanding!
Avatar has an extremely high rating of 9.3/10 on this site, which puts it as one of the highest rated shows ever. However, unlike most of the shows rated that high on this site, Avatar isn't overrated, and is fully deserving of being rated this high. In fact, it is fully deserving of a 10/10. That doesn't mean that the show is perfect in every way, as no show or movie can ever achieve that, but it crosses off all of the boxes of what's needed for an excellent show. And its greatness outshines its minor flaws. The writing is very strong overall. There's a good balance of depth, high-level humor, and action. It's blended well to tell a coherent, compelling story that is very unique. What also makes the writing sharp is compelling likable characters, all of the main characters in this show fit that. That's also completed by very superb voice performances by the cast. The animation is also solid, especially in the context of a mid 2000s show. And the score is also decent. Yes, this is a show aimed at children (contains many gags), but there's complex themes and thought that can also satisfy an adult audience.
Cobra Kai: Glory of Love (2019)
Comedy and Drama combined perfectly
This episode despite not being rated as high is a good example of what this show does well. It layers characters through well-written drama, while still often delivering good lighthearted comedy. The well-created drama is juxtaposed with Johnny's comedic dating adventures. This episode is well-names too as the name is a call back to the famous song from Karate Kid II, and a theme of the episode across the board is romantic relationships. Everyone might not enjoy love drama, but this episode is a great example of well-written, scored, acted, and edited drama.
Cobra Kai: Counterbalance (2018)
Full of Balance!
This episode, which is one of the strongest of the first season does a good job of delivering payoff to the arcs which have been setup so far. Especially with the Miguel character, we see great growth with him. Johnny has great nuance here. And characters such as Robby, Aisha, and Sam are given more prominent roles connecting them to the main plot line more. Daniel's searching for balance provides a nice emotional touch that helps balance the general comedic feel of a lot of the moments. Another highlight is the score, in which old pieces from the karate kid are woven with new ones. The ending is a perfect way to wrap up midseason and set the course for the direction of the show.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Perfect Sequel
Easily the strongest movie sequel ever. The acting, writing, and score are done as well as it can get. Al Pacino delivered a performance of a lifetime yet didn't receive an Oscar. What this sequel does well is it's in perfect continuity with the first movie, yet it creates it's own story that fascinates the audience. And it provides the necessary backstory for Vito and the Corleone family which is perfectly paralleled with Michael's storyline in present times.
Cobra Kai: Miyagi-Do (2021)
The strongest episode of Season 3
While the last episode of the season is the highest rated (and it's done very well), this episode is peak cobra Kai fro season 3. Every series regular character is on their own unique journey in the episode, which provides great character depth. The reintroduction of Chozen was excellent and his development was done very well, and he had great chemistry with Daniel. The Johnny and Miguel dynamic this episode is both hilarious and heartwarming. And two main fights are very well choreographed and scored. This episode was done about as good as you can get for this show.
Cobra Kai: First Learn Stand (2021)
Amazing
An extremely well written and acted episode. The best Daniel and Johnny banter in the whole series. The dialogue throughout the episode is extremely crisp. The Amanda, Tory, and Kreese storyline of this episode is done very well. And the brand new Kenny and Anthony storyline brings a fresh perspective to the show. This is Cobra Kai firing on all cylinders.
M*A*S*H: Tuttle (1973)
The quintessential episode of MASH and a perfect episode of TV.
This episode is a perfect example of how a comedic focused series with dramatic undertones should be written and acted out. An extremely witty storyline that provides perfect characterization to all of the series regulars. That character depth that is provided here is what's often missing in comedies. Any comedic tv writer should watch this episode to understand how to write a comedy.
M*A*S*H: Adam's Ribs (1974)
Yum
Amazing episode with spot on comedy, extremely witty writing that portrays a lighthearted yet truthful aspect about the war/military. Anyone who watches this will get a taste for ribs.